The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced that Montse Tomé will not have her contract renewed when it expires at the end of August. This decision comes shortly after Spain's defeat to England in the Euro 2025 final.
Tomé's tenure began in 2023 when she took over from Jorge Vilda, who was dismissed after Spain's victory at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Vilda's dismissal followed the controversy surrounding Luis Rubiales's inappropriate behavior during the World Cup medal ceremony, including kissing Jenni Hermoso. Tomé's initial decision to leave Hermoso out of her squad, citing a need to protect her, was met with criticism from the player.
Despite the controversial start, Tomé led the team to the 2023-24 Nations League title and the final of Women's Euro 2025. However, the defeat in the Euro final seems to have been a deciding factor in the RFEF's decision. There was also the disappointment of an under-par performance at the Olympic Games, where Spain, expected to win, were beaten by Brazil in the semi-finals and then lost to Germany in the bronze medal match.
Sonia Bermúdez, the manager of the under-23 side, has been appointed as Tomé's replacement. Bermúdez will be assisted by Iraia Iturregi in a new joint model. The federation thanked Tomé for her work, professionalism, and dedication.
Bermúdez is a former Spain international, having scored 35 goals in 63 games for her country. She has also played for clubs such as Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona, Western New York Flash, Atlético Madrid, and Levante, winning multiple league titles and Copa de la Reina trophies. As a coach, Bermúdez has led the under-19 and under-20 women's national teams, winning two consecutive European titles, before taking charge of the under-23 side. Iturregi played 15 seasons in the Spanish top flight, winning four league titles with Athletic Club. David Aznar has been appointed coach of Spain's under-19 and under-20 sides, and Milagros Martínez will be the under-17 coach.
Tomé's two years in charge were marked by criticism, including her decision to substitute Alexia Putellas in the Euro 2025 final and her management of Putellas at the Olympics. Other factors that were scrutinized were the lack of a Plan B and a leaky defense. Replacing Tomé marks the second time in succession that the Spanish Federation have parted ways with their head coach after a major tournament.